BOSTON, Mass. – On the heels of the most successful season in the history of the Wentworth Institute of Technology women's soccer program, head coach Bobby Desilets has announced his resignation to take a similar position at Wheaton College. Director of Athletics Cheryl Aaron accepted the resignation.

"I would like to thank Wentworth for the opportunity to have served as its women's soccer coach," said Desilets. "The past five years have been the best experience of my life. I've been privileged to have coached and worked alongside players, coaches and administrators who are amazing at what they do and I can't put into words the impact that the program has had on my life. I would like to give a special thank you to all the players I was able to coach during my tenure. They have all left a huge impression on me and I hope I was able to give back some of the joy I received from coaching here."

The 2016 campaign saw the Leopards earn a share of the Commonwealth Coast Conference Regular-Season Championship and posted three straight shutouts in CCC Tournament play, including in a 4-0 triumph over Gordon in the championship game which gave the Leopards their first-ever CCC Championship and first-ever berth into the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. On the national level, Wentworth edged nationally ranked Arcadia, 1-0, in the first round before falling to host Williams by the same score in the second round. The 1-0 loss to Williams snapped a shutout streak of 629:44. The Leopards, who were ranked regionally by both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the NCAA during the season, finished 16-4-3. All four of Wentworth's losses were by a single goal, including three to nationally ranked foes.

Desilets arrived at the Wentworth campus in February, 2012, and served as the program's co-head coach with former head coach and director of athletics Angel Ayres during the 2012 season. That team, which entered the Commonwealth Coast Conference as the number six seed, battled third-seeded Endicott to a 0-0 tie in the CCC quarterfinals before falling on penalty kicks.

With his first recruiting class in place for the 2013 season, Wentworth finished fifth in the CCC and edged the University of New England, 2-1 in double overtime, in the CCC quarterfinals before dropping a 1-0, overtime decision to top-seeded Endicott in the semifinals. A season later, the Leopards would play the role of spoiler as the seventh-seeded Black & Gold upset Endicott, 4-2, in the CCC quarterfinals and defeated third-seeded Eastern Nazarene on penalty kicks in the semifinals. Making its first appearance in the CCC championship for the first time since the 2003 season, Wentworth battled top-seeded Roger Williams to a 1-1 tie before falling on penalty kicks. The Leopards earned their first trip to the ECAC Tournament since the 2005 season and finished the season with a 9-9-4 record.

The 2015 season saw the Leopards finish with a program record 17 wins (17-3-2), which included an 11-game win streak and 13-game unbeaten streak (12-0-1). Wentworth advanced to the semifinals of the CCC Tournament before being upset by Gordon on penalty kicks after a scoreless draw. The Leopards' season was not finished, however, as they earned the top seed in the ECAC Tournament and advanced to the semifinals for the first time in program history. Desilets was honored by his peers as both the CCC and ECAC Coach of the Year.

Prior to arriving at Wentworth, Desilets served as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Newbury College for three seasons. During his time with the Nighthawks, he improved the team's record from 4-10-2 in his first season to the program's first winning season in 2011 season (8-7-1) and advanced to the New England Collegiate Conference Tournament in each season. He also was an assistant coach at Lesley during the 2007 (men's) and 2008 (women's) season.

Desiltes posted a 55-36-14 mark during his five seasons on the Leopards' bench. During his time with the Leopards he coached a two-time CCC Defensive Player of the Year, a CCC Offensive Player of the Year, three CCC Rookies of the Year, a total of 25 All-CCC selections, and six All-New England selections.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Bobby Desilets," said Aaron. "He has worked tirelessly for our student-athletes, giving them the best possible collegiate experience both on and off the field. This season he was able to reach new heights and an unmatched level of success for the Wentworth women's soccer program, capturing our first conference championship and advancing to the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. His strong desire to compete and loyalty to Wentworth is much appreciated and will be missed. I wish him the very best as he moves onto his next position at Wheaton College."

A search for Desilets' replacement will begin shortly.

For the latest on Wentworth Athletics, follow the Leopards via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also download the Wentworth Leopards "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.

TRANSACTION
Wentworth Institute of Technology:  Head Women's Soccer Coach Bobby Desilets resigns to take similar position at Wheaton (Mass.) College.